Johnson Publishing Company (JPC), announced recently that JET magazine, founded in 1951, will transition to a digital magazine app at the end of June. JPC is making the proactive decision to adapt to the changing needs of its readers as their desire to get information quickly and easily increases.

JET, the number three magazine in the African-American market, with a rate base of 700,000, started as a publication for Black-Ameri­cans to get weekly news on issues central to their community in a quick and easy to read format.

The new weekly digital magazine app will leverage a variety of storytelling tactics, including video interviews, enhanced digital maps, 3D charts and photography from the JPC archives. Breaking news will be updated daily. The app will be available on all tablet devices and mobile platforms. In addition, JET will publish an annual special print edition.

“Almost 63 years ago, my father, John Johnson, named the publication JET because, as he said in the first issue, ‘In the world today, everything is moving faster. There is more news and far less time to read it,’” said Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of JPC. “He could not have spoken more relevant words today. We are not saying goodbye to JET , we are embracing the future as my father did in 1951 and taking it to the next level.”

“The JET magazine online presence is continuing to grow, and JPC feels strongly we can provide great and timely content to our readers with the first weekly digital ­magazine app in the African-American space,” said Desiree Rogers, CEO of JPC.

This JET online content will feature strong entertainment news along with politics, pop culture and social issues that impact African-Americans, as well as a new EBONY/JET digital store.

Kyra Kyles, formerly a senior editor of JET magazine and digital managing editor of JETmag.com, has been appointed the digital editorial director for JET online.